Nutritional value of Grewia Flavescens: Implications for Household Food Security in Northeastern Rift Valley of Ethiopia
Abstract
163 words
Grewia flavescens A. Juss, commonly known as donkey berry
is an under-utilised wild plant species in Ethiopia. It is used for
food and fodder for humans and livestock, respectively.
Agricultural expansion and increased frequencies of drought
are reducing areas under G. flavescens. A quantitative
ethnobotanical study of G. flavescens was undertaken in six
areas of east Shewa, Ethiopia. Both structured questionnaire
and focus-group interviews were conducted with about 120
households to collect information to facilitate formulation of
policies for conservation and optimal utilisation of this plant.
Tissue analysis of this plant revealed that the species has
substantial nutrients including , Fe (8.84-9.52), Zn ( 0.11-0.31),
P (95.535-96.537), Ca (179.11-180.750), Na (7.61-8.415), K
(103.8-105.5), Mg ( 51.53-52.535), Mn (17.812-18.235) and
Cu (0.0025-0.112) mg per 100g dry mattes basis.Amounts of
these nutrients significantly (P<0.05) varied between
transhumance and settled farming land use systems. It is
recommended that research and policy support be put in place
to exploit the potential of this nutrient rich plant species.
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